Quarantine is a term that originates from the Venetian word, quarantena, which meant forty days. The 40-day isolation method was the preferred practice back in the 17th century (and for many years after) as a way to prevent diseases from spreading from one border to another, including but not limited to, the plague.
While this explains the term for ships docking for 40 days out of fear of spreading disease, we don't know if there is a term for whatever is going on with Skull & Bones.
Ubisoft's swash-buckling pirate game has been in development for the better part of the past decade. Yet, it seems like audiences are no closer to seeing the title come to life now than before. However, a recent report suggests that the development of Skull & Bones is progressing well.
Skull & Bones might indeed be releasing in 2022
The term Alpha is meant to describe a game that is in a completely playable state albeit incomplete. This version of a game is usually still full of bugs and the developers then take some time to iron out the remaining kinks while testing out new features, as well as adding more assets. It isn't until a game reaches its Beta phase that it starts to resemble the outcome.